Development that considers long-term environmental impacts alongside economic growth and social well-being within community contexts.

In the heart of Bavaria, Augsburg is making strides towards a sustainable and future-proof city. The city's commitment to sustainable development began in earnest in 2013, when it was awarded the prestigious German Sustainability Award as the most sustainable large city.

Since then, Augsburg has been consistently working towards its goals, with the adoption of the "Future Guidelines for Augsburg" in 2015. This comprehensive plan outlines systematic goals for the city's sustainable development, providing a roadmap for the years to come.

The Local Agenda 21 process, a global initiative promoting sustainable development, is being implemented in Augsburg. This process, which involves the collaboration of various organisations and groups, aims to create a sustainable future for the city.

At the core of this effort are the Local Agenda working groups in Augsburg. These groups, comprised of environmental and fair-trade groups, educational and research institutions, church groups, business representatives, political representatives, city administration, and other organisations, develop and implement sustainability projects.

These projects are diverse and far-reaching. They include the development and implementation of model projects, the organisation of events, and the creation of materials to educate and inspire the community. The working groups also use tools like the "SDG-Wegweiser" to help small and medium enterprises apply the UN Sustainable Development Goals in practice.

Augsburg's working groups also participate in cultural and climate protection programs such as CITIES AHEAD, and collaborate with local organisations to promote environment-friendly urban development and climate action efforts.

The Local Agenda working groups in Augsburg also formulate recommendations through the Sustainability Council for the city council, administration, and society. These recommendations guide the city's efforts towards a more sustainable future.

In 2021, the city council adopted an updated version of the "Future Guidelines for Augsburg", reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development. With over 250 pages of measures and 88 indicators, the third Augsburg Sustainability Report, published in 2025, provides a comprehensive overview of the city's progress towards its sustainability goals.

The city of Augsburg continues to strive towards its goal of creating a future-proof and livable city, demonstrating that sustainable development is not just a passing trend, but a long-term commitment.